Well’ May this year is turning into a barren desert for local Shakespeare fans in the DC area. Where locally last year we had the Montgomery County Players doing Midsummer, and the Folger’s doing Hamlet. This year, there’s nothing around here for May.

My question is, with the recent demise of the Baltimore Shakespeare Festival, and the lack of event’s in our area, is this a disturbing reflection of the times? The Washington Post ran an article last year stating:

“Reflecting the growing hunger among Washington’s nonprofit theaters to expand their audience base and diversify their offerings, Shakespeare Theatre Company will serve as the launching site for a national tour of the original production of “Fela!,” the unconventional, Broadway-tested musical about the life of the Nigerian singer-activist Fela Kuti.”

I’m almost afraid that when they say that Washington’s nonprofit theaters, and the Shakespeare Theatre Company, are looking to expand their audience base, what their really saying is that the bucks aren’t flowing for Shakespeare so let’s try something else. For example I noticed there are plenty of plays and things going on with the Shakespeare Theatre Company for the month of May… and no yet no Shakespeare.

DC-area Shakespeare explorers

And yet’ do not lose all hope! There are others in the area looking for Shakespeare happening’s at the grass-roots level. For example I hang out at the local Meetup.com group called “DC-area Shakespeare explorers.” It’s brand new place on the web to hook up with local Shakespeare fans. There’s been so far (I believe) three meetups, I’ve been to a two, and looking forward to the next.

So’ even if there are no “Official” Shakespeare offering’s for May, we can still make something happen. Jump to the site for DC-area Shakespeare explorers and check out the offerings, or even throw out a suggestion or two. I, among others have hosted a “Meet up”, and we are in the hopes that you can too. Shakespeare readings? Movie night? Gather before or after seeing a play? It’s a great way to do Shakespeare on the cheap, and meet others in the process!

Hello – A new Spring Season, and soooo many plays…
I am still going to the plays, but have not had time to update this website (Mid-Summer in Olney ROCKED!). This is not a good thing. The one nice thing about maintaining this web site was I never missed a free play, and other events. It was an excuse to maintain and share my Shakespeare Calendar, along with meeting people of like interest along the way.

So I would like to throw out there a thought. Who would like to help with this website and calendar??

I get emails from companies asking for promotion, and users commenting on existing material, but I just don’t have the time anymore.
If you google maryland shakespeare OR Washington dc shakespeare, you will find this website on the first page of the search, so this website is worth the effort.

So if you are local, and have an interest. Or if you are part of a Shakespeare Company Maryland, DC, Virginia, or Pennsylvania and want to be able to add your promotions here, send me an email from your companies address..

I had already reviewed Mondo (Titus) Andronicus. In short realistic blood, gore, and violence, if you like horror movies, you’ll love this. So I’ll just say a quick word about Henry VI at the Blackfriars.

I just finally got around to seeing it last weekend, I haven’t had time to write it up, and now it’s closing this weekend. Truthfully I’ve been enjoying Shakespeare’s History plays more then you can imagine, and this one’s no exception. I really don’t think the Histories get their due. Henry VI part 2 has enough court intrigue, subplots and action to keep you riveted to your seat. Not to mention the famous quote, “The first thing we do, let’s kill all the lawyers.” And even though it’s “Part two”, it is a complete stand alone story. Henry VI is the ongoing tale about the son of Henry V (Now at Sidney Harman Hall), the passions of men and their desire for power. It also includes one of the nastiest noble woman this side of Macbeth.

Both the plays listed above are entertaining, Mondo is definitely for adults only, but since I like the old 70 style grindhouse movies, that is not a bad thing. As a matter of fact I may take up an offer to go see it a second time this Friday. And Henry VI is the ASC doing what the ACS does best, great Shakespeare! So depending on your mood, both are fun choices… But don’t wait to long, this weekend is it.

The American Shakespeare Center is starting it’s Spring season, and you’ve never been to their Blackfriars playhouse! What are you waiting for? Honestly’ when life is just a b%ch and I just need to get away, I just pack it all up, count my change, and trek the 3 hours up to Staunton and watch me some Shakespeare.

Staunton Wisdom for a cool trip.

Where to stay: If the Stonewall Jackson Hotel is having a half price special I stay in that Grand Old Hotel (Or if I happen to have the ducats that trip… which is rarely), Other wise I stay in the Microtel Inn for about $75.00… Now let me just say… the Microtel is awesome. It’s not the cheapest, but any cheaper in Staunton and you may regret it. Not to mention the Microtel bakes amazing chocolate chip cookies in the evening. First time we stayed there, they had just pulled a batch out of the oven, and I was met with an olfactory bliss.

Where to eat: There are tons of restaurants, but these are a few of my favorites:

Inexpensive: Wrights Dairy Rite… Place opened in 1952, and ain’t change much since! Pick up the PHONE at your table and order a Burger, Fries, and a Real Milkshake… Cheap!

Staunton has kept it’s small town flavor all along Beverley St. right near the Blackfriers Playhouse. Check out all the antique stores and specialty shops, and when you need a break from walking there’s restaurants and coffee shops all over the place.

Well’ I got an update this morning… Nora Robert is not only offering to help you, help the Maryland Shakespeare Festival (Prior Post). But she has opened up an Inn in Boonsboro Maryland called… “Inn BoonsBoro” . It appears that the rooms are all based on a Literary theme, including a “Titania and Oberon” (Of A Midsummer Night’s Dream fame).